Mr. Saturday Night (1992)

The life of Buddy Young, a comic legend in flashbacks but an old man looking for work in the present.

Director:

Billy Crystal

Writers:

Billy Crystal, Lowell Ganz

Stars:

Billy Crystal, David Paymer, Julie Warner

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 7 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Billy Crystal	...	Buddy Young Jr.
David Paymer	...	Stan
Julie Warner	...	Elaine
Helen Hunt	...	Annie Wells
Mary Mara	...	Susan
Jerry Orbach	...	Phil Gussman
Ron Silver	...	Larry Meyerson
Sage Allen	...	Mom
Jason Marsden	...	Buddy - Age 15
Michael Weiner	...	Stan - Age 18
Larry Gelman	...	Mr. Gimbel
Kay Freeman	...	Mrs. Gimbel
Howard Mann	...	Stage Manager
Julius Branca	...	Stage Manager
Liz Georges	...	Script Girl

Storyline

Buddy Young was the comic's comic, beloved by everyone. Now, playing to miniscule crowds in nursing homes, it seems like everybody but Buddy realizes that he should retire. As Buddy looks for work in show business, he realizes that the rest of the world has forgotten the golden days of Buddy Young, and that there just may not be room in the business for an old comic like himself.

---

Plot Keywords:

written and directed by cast member | new york city | talent agent | stand up comedy | audition | 

---

Taglines:

He loved his family. He loved his friends. But he loved his audience even more.

---

Genres:

Comedy | Drama

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

25 September 1992 (USA)

Also Known As:

Der letzte Komödiant - Mr. Saturday Night

Filming Locations:

Ambassador Hotel - 3400 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$43,000,000 (estimated)

Gross USA:

$13,351,357

Company Credits

Production Co:

Castle Rock Entertainment, Face Productions, New Line Cinema

Technical Specs

Runtime:

119 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Features David Paymer's only Oscar nominated performance.

---

Goofs

Guests at a Borscht Belt resort, circa 1950, dance to the tune "Hey There" four years before the song was written for The Pajama Game.

---

Quotes

Buddy Young, Jr.: [to the audience he's performing to] I know you're out there, I can hear you reloading!

---

Connections

Featured in The 65th Annual Academy Awards (1993)

---

Soundtracks

Stayin' Alive
Written by Barry Gibb, Maurice Gibb and Robin Gibb

User Reviews

Billy Crystal's Masterpiece

I was surprised to see such a low rating on IMDB for this film, which I feel is Crystal's masterpiece. While watching it, it becomes clear quickly that making this movie is a real labour of love for Crystal. He really displays his entire range in this surprising drama about a rather complex Vaudeville-esque comedian (whose character Buddy Young Jr. was introduced years before during Crystal's unforgettable stint on the 1984-5 Saturday Night Live season). Perhaps I was just in the mood for a sentimental film while I was watching it, but I was really compelled by the film, which also featured an unbelievable performance by David Paymer as Crystal's brother. The flashback sequences were fabulous-- I just can't say enough good about this film. Just don't set your expectations for a comedy, remember this is a rather long, sentimental (yet never sappy) drama with comic elements and enjoy! (rating 9/10)